Calling Americans to serve the nation

The first major piece of legislation filed by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy since he was diagnosed with brain cancer is poised to be signed by President Barack Obama this week. And fittingly, the measure that will bear the senator's name has been near and dear to his heart since Jan. 20, 1961, when President John F. Kennedy issued a plea to all Americans to serve their country.

The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, co-sponsored by Sen. Orin Hatch, R-Utah, represents the most sweeping expansion of national service in a generation, and it is expected to create 175,000 new volunteer opportunities for Americans to solve community problems - ranging from stemming the high school dropout rate to expanding economic opportunities for low-income people.

Wisely the act would tap both young and old in the task of improving communities.

The need for Americans of all ages - from recent college graduates to baby boomers to retirees - to step forward to tackle social problems has never been greater as the nation grapples with the most serious economic downturn in decades.

The act draws on lessons of the past two decades of service programs by expanding volunteer service opportunities with specific missions. For example, as the national debate about climate change continues, a Clean Energy Service Corps will take steps to conserve our resources and an Education Corps will offer volunteers a chance to tutor, teach and mentor low-income students.

The bill, which provides modest stipends for volunteers, is also similar to its predecessor programs in that it has broad bipartisan support. In recognition and tribute to those bipartisan efforts, Kennedy praised President George H.W. Bush for approving the original National and Community Service Act and his Republican colleague who helped write the legislation.

The new national service act is a worthy call to action that we hope Americans will heed.